Cannabis will be legal in Canada on October 17, 2018.

In Calgary, public consumption rules for cannabis will be similar to those for public consumption of alcohol. Under the Cannabis Consumption Bylaw, it will be illegal to consume cannabis in any form (smoking, vaping, or edibles) in public places, except for designated cannabis consumption areas. Cannabis may be consumed on private property.

Because landlord and tenant agreements, condo bylaws, and hotel rules can prohibit cannabis consumption in or on their properties, some citizens and visitors to Calgary may not have a legal place to consume cannabis. To that end, the Cannabis Consumption Bylaw allows Council to approve designated areas where cannabis may be smoked, vaped, or otherwise consumed in specific public places. These designated cannabis consumption areas are to help alleviate lack of access to a permissible place to consume cannabis once it is legal.

Ward Councillors or residents can begin the process to have designated cannabis consumption areas in their community. Interest has been expressed in piloting some designated spaces in Ward 9, and Administration is asking for citizen feedback on these proposed area located in Bridgeland at the following address:

Bridgeland

• Murdoch Park, on the southern end of 7A St. N.E.

Potential areas are carefully considered through criteria addressing the location’s accessibility, safety, and proximity to sensitive land uses such as schools, playgrounds, and residences. Once the spaces are up and running, the City of Calgary may suspend locations should there be safety or nuisance concerns.

The results of this engagement will inform Council’s decision-making process on whether these proposed locations will be confirmed as designated cannabis consumption areas. This matter is scheduled to be brought to a Public Hearing of Council on October 9, 2018 at which citizens may speak.

Designated cannabis consumption areas will be identified through signage as well as easily recognizable infrastructure, such as a coloured bench. Areas will be confined to a defined radius and equipped with waste receptacles and tamper-proof ashtrays.

Designated areas will be reviewed on an ongoing basis to ensure they are serving their intended purpose. In time, they may be re-evaluated should cannabis cafes or lounges be allowed in Alberta. Cannabis cafes have not yet been addressed by federal and provincial governments.

Those making use of designated cannabis consumption areas must abide by all laws and bylaws such as the Public Behaviour Bylaw (54M2006), Parks and Pathway Bylaw (54M2003), and Community Standards Bylaw (5M2004).

Online engagement for this project is now closed. Your feedback will be brought to a Public Meeting of Council on October 9, at which citizens may speak. This timeline is in place to address the potential of having areas ready for citizen use by the federal legalization date of October 17, 2018.

You can read the What We Heard Report - Bridgeland

Murdoch Park, on the southern end of 7A St. N.E.